Unsafe Landing Costs Pilot His License

January 02, 1995|by JOSEPH P. FERRY, The Morning Call

A pilot whose airplane skidded off the runway at Quakertown Airport this summer has had his license revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Charles Royer, who leases hangar space at the airport, was under the influence of alcohol or a drug that prevented him from operating the aircraft in a safe manner at the time of the accident, according to the FAA.

FOR THE RECORD - (Published Wednesday, January 4, 1995) Bob Natali, chairman of the Bucks County Airport Authority, says he accepted a pilot's explanation why he damaged a runway light during a landing in July merely to pass it on to the authority board. Natali says he did not pass judgment on the truthfulness of the statement.

"Therefore, the administrator finds that safety in air commerce or air transportation and public interest require the revocation of your certificate," wrote the FAA in a letter to Royer on Oct. 20.

Royer could not be reached for comment.

According to documents obtained from the FAA under the Freedom of Information Act, Royer was piloting a model 182 Cessna on or about July 1 when he landed at Quakertown Airport "in a careless and reckless manner resulting in the aircraft leaving the runway and destroying a runway light."

After landing, Royer taxied the aircraft at excessive speed "so close to another airplane that was being refueled" that it created a collision hazard, according to the FAA.

Bucks County Airport Authority head Robert Natali, who was on vacation when the incident happened, said he investigated "within my authority" after learning of it from the airport manager. He interviewed two witnesses who said Royer's behavior was erratic after he landed and that they were close enough to smell alcohol on his breath.

Natali also questioned Royer, who said he lost control of the plane after leaning over to pick up a cigarette he had dropped. Natali said he was satisfied with that explanation and Royer paid about $45 to replace the runway light that was destroyed.

He said the Airport Authority board received a full description of the accident.